The Badger Backer Roundup: Massive Recruiting Weekend, Reiger’s Combine, and Tonje’s NBA Debut

From Indianapolis to the NBA: Mason Reiger’s elite Combine surge, John Tonje’s Celtics debut, and a massive recruiting weekend in Madison.

It has been a big week for the Wisconsin Badgers across the board, from the high-stakes world of NFL Draft preparations to a pivotal “Locked-In” recruiting weekend in Madison.

As the Wisconsin football staff prepares to host a star-studded list of 2027 recruits at the end of May, one player from last year’s roster is making a name for himself at the NFL Combine. Mason Reiger put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, putting up numbers that could have scouts re-evaluating his ceiling at the next level.

Beyond the gridiron, former scoring sensation John Tonje makes his official NBA debut with the Boston Celtics.

Whether you are tracking the latest Wisconsin basketball recruiting offers—including a major move for 4-star forward Kager Knueppel—or keeping tabs on record-breaking attendance at the Kohl Center, this week’s Roundup covers everything you need to know about the future of Wisconsin athletics.

🏈 Recruiting: The “Locked-In” Official Visit Weekend Set

The coaching staff is turning the final weekend in May into a national recruiting showcase. While the “Stay Home” movement is the priority, the staff is also pulling in high-level talent from across the country to build out the 2027 class.

Here is a list of some of the top names visiting Wisconsin May 28-31.

The In-State Foundation:

• Korz Loken (TE) | Iola, WI (Iola-Scandinavia)

  • Status: Committed (Wisconsin)

  • Rating: 4-star (90 Grade) | No. 1 in WI | No. 4 TE Nationally

  • The Scoop: The centerpiece of the class. Loken chose UW over Notre Dame and Florida State and will be in town to help lead the recruiting effort for the uncommitted targets.

• Ethan McIntosh (OT) | Verona, WI

  • Status: Committed (Wisconsin)

  • Rating: 3-star (86 Grade) | No. 9 in WI | No. 62 OT Nationally

• Dustin Roach (S) | Waukesha, WI (Catholic Memorial)

  • Status: Committed (Wisconsin)

  • Rating: 3-star (86 Grade) | No. 8 in WI | No. 72 Safety Nationally

• Isaac Miller (EDGE) | Waukesha, WI (Catholic Memorial)

  • Status: Uncommitted

  • Rating: 3-star (87 Grade) | No. 6 in WI

• Kingston Allen (ATH/RB) | Green Bay, WI (Notre Dame Academy)

  • Status: Uncommitted

  • Rating: 4-star (89 Grade) | No. 4 in WI | No. 21 ATH Nationally

• Hunter Malliger (IOL) | Sussex, WI (Hamilton)

  • Status: Uncommitted

  • Rating: 3-star (87 Grade) | No. 7 in WI | No. 42 IOL Nationally

• Reece Malliger (IOL) | Sussex, WI (Hamilton)

  • Status: Uncommitted

  • Rating: 3-star (85 Grade) | No. 10 in WI | No. 62 IOL Nationally

Out-of-State Visitors:

• Raheem Floyd (CB) | East St. Louis, IL

  • Status: Uncommitted

  • Rating: 4-star (90 Grade) | No. 8 in IL | No. 18 CB Nationally

• Nehemiah Ombati (DL) | Shakopee, MN

  • Status: Uncommitted

  • Rating: 3-star (87 Grade) | No. 3 in MN | No. 72 DL Nationally

• Josh Johnson (DL) | Key West, FL

  • Status: Uncommitted

  • Rating: 3-star (86 Grade) | No. 84 DL Nationally

• Jonathan Galette (ATH) | Montvale, NJ (St. Joseph Regional)

  • Status: Uncommitted

  • Rating: 3-star (87 Grade) | No. 49 ATH Nationally

• Eli Thornton (DL) | Jonesboro, AR (Valley View)

  • Status: Uncommitted

  • Rating: Unranked (6’3”, 315 lbs)

Generally, after a huge recruiting weekend like this, we see a handful of commitments. This is a solid list that the Wisconsin staff has coming to visit. You can bet they are going to pull out all the stops for this group.

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📈 Draft Stock: Mason Reiger’s Indianapolis Statement

Mason Reiger used the Indianapolis stage to prove he belongs on NFL teams’ draft boards. His testing profile tells a story of a player with rare “suddenness” for his 6’5”, 251-pound frame.

The Physical Profile:

• Measurements: Measuring in with 32 5/8” arms and 10 3/8” hands, Reiger possesses the ideal reach to control the edge.

• 10-Yard Split Impresses: The number that has scouts buzzing is the 1.61-second 10-yard split. For a defensive end, the first ten yards are critical; Reiger’s split was the second-fastest in the entire EDGE group.

Explosiveness Metrics:

• Vertical Jump: 40” (Tied for 2nd among EDGE prospects)

• Broad Jump: 10’ 5” (Top 5 for position)

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.78s (Official)

RAS.football@MathBomb

Mason Reiger is a DE prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.53 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 98 out of 2046 DE from 1987 to 2026. Splits projected, all times unofficial, agilities left to run, bench tomorrow. ras.football/ras-informatio…

11:13 PM · Feb 26, 2026 · 30.7K Views

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2 Replies · 16 Reposts · 111 Likes

Like the Shrine Bowl, Reiger’s workout performances are likely improving his draft stock. He will have another opportunity to perform in front of NFL scouts next week when the Wisconsin football program hosts its pro day.

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☘️ Badgers in the Pros: John Tonje’s Debut

Former Wisconsin basketball standout John Tonje is officially making his move to the NBA main stage. After a dominant stretch in the G League, the Boston Celtics have signed the rookie guard to a 10-day contract.

• The Path: Tonje was originally drafted 53rd overall by Utah in 2025 and moved to Boston at the trade deadline.

• G League Standout: He averaged 18.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game this season, shooting 43.7% from the floor.

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🏀 Hoops & Hockey: Quick Hits

• Stumble in Eugene: The Badgers (19-9, 11-6) suffered a rough road setback on Wednesday, falling 85-71 to Oregon. Despite a program-record 45 three-point attempts, Wisconsin struggled to find a rhythm inside, shooting just 33% from the field. John Blackwell was the lone bright spot with 22 points (6-of-14 from deep), while Nick Boyd added 11 points and 7 assists.

• Kager Knueppel Offer: The Badgers officially offered 2027 4-star forward Kager Knueppel (younger brother of Kon) during his recent visit. Knueppel is considered a top-80 prospect in the 2027 class.

• Injury Bug: Guard Jack Janicki underwent successful surgery on a broken wrist this week and is out indefinitely.

• Kohl Center History: Wisconsin Hockey set a new attendance record last Saturday with 15,511 fans packing the arena for Senior Night against No. 2 Michigan.

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